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Australia's decisive policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". A law may be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".

Earlier, momentum built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and fit for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the regional level amid federal inaction.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and calls from some politicians to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Outside of the West, other states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

Even as this worldwide debate continues, the actions of this nation and others indicate that states globally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.